Flower:

Flowers are in racemes that arise from the leaf axils in the upper part of the plant and at the top of the main stem; only those at the end of the spike are in bloom. Individual flowers are about 1/3 inch across, with 5 petals fused at the base. Color ranges from dull red to maroon to purple. There are 5 short yellowish stamens surrounded by a fuzzy ring. The racemes lean out away from the main stem, droop at the end, and elongate as the plant matures.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are up to 5 inches long and 2 inches wide with a pointed tip and tapering at the base, becoming smaller as they ascend the plant. Leaf stems at the base are long and also become shorter; leaves at the top of the plant have little or no leaf stem. All leaves are toothless and hairy. The main stem is also hairy.

Fruit:

Fruit is about ½ inch across, 4-sectioned and covered in hooked bristles, each section containing a nutlett.

Notes:

The first year, Gypsy Flower is just a basal rosette of leaves, with the fllowering stalk coming up the second year. It can form dense colonies and is most commonly found in areas with a good percent of bare ground, such as empty lots.